Effects of Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) on the Species Structure of Ant Communities in South China

Authors

  • Yong Yue Lu South China Agricultural University
  • Bi-qiu Wu South China Agricultural University
  • Yi-Juan Xu South China Agricultural University
  • Ling Zeng South China Agricultural University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v59i1.683

Keywords:

Solenopsis invicta Buren, ant species, community structure

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of invasive red imported fire ants (RIFAs), Solenopsis invicta Buren, on native ant communities at three habitats in South China. By using paired control and treatment plots, the change in diversity and community structure of native ants due to the invasion of red imported fire ants could be observed. Ant species richness was reduced by 46 and 33% at RIFA-infested lawn and pasture habitats, respectively; however, the ant species richness in the lichee orchard was not affected by red imported fire ants. Our results indicated that red imported fire ants became one of several dominant species or the only dominant species in all three habitats in South China.

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Published

2014-10-22

How to Cite

Lu, Y. Y., Wu, B.- qiu, Xu, Y.-J., & Zeng, L. (2014). Effects of Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) on the Species Structure of Ant Communities in South China. Sociobiology, 59(1), 275–285. https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v59i1.683

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Articles

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